As you already know, the contemporary rock scene offers many brilliant artists and bands whose music often resonates with memorable moments, but those music outlets rarely manage to retain that essence from start to finish. Thankfully, there are artists like I Forget Myself who know how to do it properly, without ever sounding predictable, repetitive, or bland. This highly prolific music project kicked off this year with “An Exception,” the first release of 2023, and a proper continuation of “A Countenance In Involution,” a critically acclaimed eight full-length studio album that you should also check out as soon as possible. As is usually the case, the brand new material carries many innovations, not only in songwriting and composing, but in arranging and producing as well. “An Exception” arrives with five exceptional compositions that vividly demonstrate I Forget Myself’s dedication to the craft through each moment, instrumental shift, soundscape, and nuance. It’s a treat for a listening apparatus rarely heard or seen nowadays, thanks to the involvement of many brilliant ideas and outstanding musicanship, which, in this case, serve as significant cogs in this unstoppable machinery. Those stumbling upon this fascinating Hong Kong-based music outlet for the first time will undoubtedly notice how all those fundamental elements of modern rock found their way into this sonic equation. They represent a big portion of I Forget Myself’s sound, but as is usually the case, there are plenty more elements included along the way. As you unwrap this material, you’ll hear how alternative, grunge, indie, progressive rock, post rock, and many other similar styles decorate particular segments or the entire songs. Those are the moments where I Forget Myself’s songwriting and composing abilities shine in the limelight, leaving a huge impact on the listener. And the best part is that this extended play sounds even better with each composition.
This epic sonic voyage commences with “The Climb,” an excellent opening track that gradually shapes a reverby, ethereal, otherworldly ambiance by introducing complex themes, melodies, and harmonies delivered on guitars. These guitar works expand to powerful power chords and riffs during the choruses. In the meantime, the rhythm section consisting of subtle yet vividly hearable low-end notes and well-accentuated beats keep everything organized while offering groove and moderate pace. The outstanding vocal performance adds another layer of melodies by continuously levitating those whispery and more commanding harmonies. This track pack calms and aggression equally, showing I Forget Myself’s versatile sound. The artist demonstrates his more progressive rock side with “Bygones.” These are the moments where his ideas and musicianship shine in the limelight, as he delivers those intricate leads, themes, and other virtuosities on one side, while the other packs aggression, rawness, and power through cleverly assembled riffs. The excellent drumming patterns, based upon wisely arranged beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics, immensely support those instrumentations while the vocals guide the listeners with another barrage of perfectly sung low, mid, and high notes. It’s one of those standout tracks where tremendous experience, knowledge, skills, and talent meet impressive musicianship, and you’ll gladly place this gem on your playlist. I Forget Myself expertly levitates between modern alternative rock and post-rock waters on “Magna Catharsis.” This beautiful song exemplifies how luxuriant, ethereal, otherworldly, reverby ambiance meets the sheer power delivered by each involved instrument. With every upcoming segment, I Forget Myself proves one he is one of the finest solo artists on the contemporary music scene. The way those rhythmic maneuvers act as a thrilling sonic rollercoaster while the basslines bring warmth, groove, and power, and guitars deliver a jaw-dropping virtuosity, goes beyond comprehension so many times throughout the entire track. It’s a one-of-a-kind listening experience worth revisiting.
And just when you thought I Forget Myself couldn’t impress move, he drops “I Dream Out An Exception,” another standout composition that defies everything you know about modern rock sound. It brings so many innovations and ideas to this genre that it’s nearly impossible to grasp each detail, element, and nuance in one sitting. These are the moments where fascinating guitar interplays craft a profoundly complex sonic backdrop for all those impressive vocals to shine upon, while Kyle Reece Williams’s incredible drumming performance tears down the walls with his skillful playing. Like previous tracks, this one also includes a comprehensive collection of thrilling moments where those ideas, musicianship, and arrangements defy your understanding of modern rock music. The same goes for “Contexts,” an adequate closing song where I Forget Myself pushes the sonic barrier even more. At first, you’ll think that this track will stay subtle till the end, but it actually gradually builds up atmosphere by becoming more massive, heavy, and powerful. Every vocal harmony, guitar work, bassline, and rhythmic pattern has its place and purpose here, building a musical voyage that leaves you speechless. “An Exception” is one of those recordings where the artist takes everything to another level. With each segment and every song, this material becomes even more thrilling, fascinating, and appealing to the ears. I Forget Myself never ceases to amaze with its craftsmanship, and “An Exception” positions him as one of the leading forces on the modern music scene. If you love your music complex, dynamic, clever, and otherworldly, then this material will be right up your alley. “An Exception” immediately is an ultimate explorations through an expansive sonic universe, built by an incredible sonic architect. Therefore, you should immediately place this epic gem on your music radar. Head to your favorite streaming platform and check it out!
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